Environment optimization for space based on presence and activities

ABSTRACT

A method for facilitating space experiences for at least a first space user and for at least first and second different spaces, the method comprising the steps of storing first and second space experience specifications for the first and second different spaces, respectively, wherein the first and second space experience specifications indicate space affordance settings for the first and second spaces, respectively, sensing a trigger event associated with at least one of the first and second different spaces, where the sensed trigger event is associated with the first space, using the first space experience specification to control the first space affordances and where the sensed trigger event is associated with the second space, using the second space experience specification to control the second space affordances.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/458,376 filed Mar. 14, 2017, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/184,225filed Jun. 16, 2016, which is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/730,996 filed Jun. 4, 2015, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/008,283 filedon Jun. 5, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The field of the invention is office spaces and more specifically spacesthat automatically adapt to user presence and optimize for specificexperiences or activities within spaces.

During the course of a typical work day, employees of a company or otherbusiness entity often perform various tasks or activities. For example,during a typical day, a specific employee may work individually, maywork with one other employee in a dyadic fashion to share ideas anddevelop new ideas, may work with two or more other persons to shareinformation or develop concepts in a larger conference setting, mayspend a portion of her day on the phone conversing with colleagues orcustomers, may participate in a video conference with one or more remotecolleagues or clients or may spend some time resting by either nappingor simply meditating.

In the office space industry it is generally recognized that spaceaffordances can facilitate or hinder activities and that recognition haslead to differently afforded spaces that have been at least somewhatoptimized for different activities. For instance, a typical personaloffice space may include a desk, a task chair and a computer including adisplay screen on the desk. In contrast, a typical conference space mayinclude a large table, a plurality of chairs arranged about the edges ofthe table and a projector or large electronic display screen forpresenting content from a computer or the like that is being sharedwithin the conference space. Clearly office spaces and conference spacesare differently afforded and each set of affordances enhances thespecific use assigned to the space.

In addition to assemblies that provide work surfaces, support chairs forspace users and screens for accessing digital information, many spaceshave other affordances that, while capable of enhancing specificactivities within the spaces, are essentially ignored or areunderutilized by space users for one reason or another. For instance,most office spaces include some type of lighting device(s) (e.g., a desklight, a floor lamp, overhead lighting, upward or downward directedshelf lighting, etc.) for illuminating general ambient space, worksurfaces, wall surfaces, etc. Here, even where lighting devices arecontrollable so that light intensity can be adjusted, most lights areeither off or turned on to their highest intensity level regardless ofwhether or not an intermediate intensity level may be optimal for somepurpose. For example, in a conference room, lights are often completelyon when digital content is not shared and off when digital content isnot being shared with no in between. In personal office spaces lightsare usually either on with high intensity or off despite the fact thatother lighting settings may be optimal depending on the activityperformed within the office space. Many spaces include several lightingdevices which are often all on or all off regardless of whether thosesettings are optimized for specific activities.

Other space affordances that are rarely adjusted despite the fact thatthey can have a great impact on how well activities are performed withina space include temperature control devices (e.g., heaters, coolingdevices, etc.), air flow devices (e.g., fans), audio devices (e.g.,speakers and audio players that can play sound tracks), electronicdisplay screens that are not being used to present content within aspace, etc.

There are several reasons space users do not optimally adjust manyaffordances within office spaces. First, in many cases, a user simplydoes not have an understanding that each of the affordances can beadjusted to optimize specific activities. For instance, for many spaceusers high intensity light on a primary work surface with dimmed ambientlight optimizes the user's ability to focus on individual work beingperformed on the primary work surface. Nevertheless, many space userssimply rely on a single intensity ambient light to light their worksurfaces. As another instance, where a person uses a space to facilitatea resting activity (e.g., take a short nap), in many cases the restingactivity would be enhanced where temperature is increased by a fewdegrees. Nevertheless, space temperature is only rarely adjusted byspace users. As yet one other example, it is known that white noise candrown out voices or other noises within a walkway adjacent a space yeteven where white noise sound tracks are available to space users, thetracks are rarely played. Many other examples of optimized environmentalcharacteristics that are not understood by space users exist.

Second, even where a space user has a general understanding that certainactivities can be enhanced by optimally adjusting affordances, in manycases the user has no understanding of which settings are optimal forwhich activities. Here, confused, a user often simply uses affordancesas set when the user occupies a space without adjusting the affordancesto optimize space use for specific activities.

Third, even where a space user recognizes that activities can beenhanced by optimally adjusting affordances and has a good understandingof how those affordances should be optimized for at least someactivities, in many cases different affordances are controlled bydifferent control systems or devices and therefore, to adjust severalaffordances to optimal settings, a user would have to adjust many (e.g.,4-6) different devices. The burden of optimally adjusting many deviceseach time the activity within a space is changed means that space userssimply use space with affordances set “as is” and do not bother withoptimizing the affordances to specific activities. This is particularlytrue in cases where one person may use many different spaces during aday to perform many different tasks. For instance, in a case where anemployer has remote employees that “hotel” in spaces in differentfacilities, most employees will not take the time to optimally setaffordance characteristics even if they understand how the setting canaffect their activities. In hotelling cases, often-times affordances andcontrols therefore are different in different spaces and, while a usermay understand a control device in one space that is routinely used bythe user, the user may not understand another interface for a similaraffordances in a different space. The end result is that the user willnot take advantage of the capability of setting optimized affordances indifferently controlled spaces.

Fourth, in many cases, while a space user may understand how affordancesettings can be optimized for that user for a specific activity (e.g.,user preferences for individual focused work), the user often times willhave no understanding of how the affordances can be optimized for othertypes of activities. Again, a user may understand that bright tasklighting on a primary work surface with dimmed lighting in the ambientcan optimally support individual focused work but may have no clue thatthe lighting should be changed for dyadic use of the same space wherethe user and another space user are sharing ideas in an openconversation and should be changed again for video conferencing and yetagain during a resting activity. In these cases, instead of manuallyadjusting affordances to optimize for specific activities, userstypically forego adjustment and simply use less than optimal settingsfor specific activities.

In addition to there being optimized environment characteristics fordifferent activities performed in a space, it is believed that there arealso different optimized characteristic sets for different phases of anygiven activity. For instance, in the case of a space optimized forfacilitating a resting activity (e.g., a short nap), there may beseveral phases of the activity including an invite phase that invites auser to use the space for a rest activity, a welcome phase that helps auser take control of the space, an activity phase during which a restingactivity is performed and an emerge phase that helps a user emerge fromthe resting activity. Here, there are optimal changes to a spaceenvironment that can enhance each of the different phases of theactivity. Again, here, most users are unaware of optimized affordancesettings for phases and even if they understand that optimizedaffordance settings for each phase exist, the burden of adjusting theaffordance settings is too great to be performed for each activitywithin the space.

Thus, there is a need for a system where affordance settings within aspace can be optimized for the space and for specific activities withinthe space in a simplified manner. There is also a need for a systemwhere affordance settings can be optimized easily for specific users ofspaces.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

It has been recognized that the environment within a space substantiallyaffects how well specific activities can be accomplished within thespace. It has also been recognized that many affordances within spacesthat can be adjusted to control space environment are poorly utilizedand therefore that many space environments are not optimized forspecific activities. Moreover it has been recognized that many of thepoorly utilized affordances can be automatically controlled by a systemserver that, based on trigger events that occur within or proximate aspace, adjust affordances either automatically or substantiallyindependent of input from space users so that space environment can beoptimized for specific activities or so that at least particularlyadvantageous environments for specific activities can be provided. In atleast some cases actions that a space user would perform during normaluse of a space such as closing a door to the space, presenting anidentification (e.g., RF) device to take control of the space, sittingdown within the space, standing up within the space, etc., may be usedas triggers for adjusting space affordances to change environmentalcharacteristics. Thus, space characteristics may be optimized oradjusted substantially automatically without requiring a user tounderstand how to operate a control interface associated with a specificspace.

It has also been recognized that many space experiences have differentgenerally repeatable phases and that the environment within a space canfacilitate each of the phases when adjusted appropriately. Thus, where aspace is to be used for individual focused work for instance, whilelight may be high intensity on a primary work surface with dim ambientlight there around (e.g., a focused light pattern) while a space user isfocusing on work, there may be a phase in or welcome period when theuser first takes control of the space, taking materials out of a bookbag, setting up the space with materials on the primary work surface,etc. as well as an emerge or phase out period when the user is preparingto leave the space by packing up materials, making sure no materials areleft behind, cleaning up the primary and other work spaces, etc., duringwhich the focused lighting pattern is not optimal or even advantageous.Here, lighting and other space affordances (e.g., temperature, soundeffects, air circulation, etc.) may all be adjusted differently duringeach of the different phases in ways designed to enhance activitiesperformed during each phase. Again, actions by a user within the spaceduring normal use of the space may be selected as triggers forcommencing next sequential phases in a space experience so that changesto space affordance settings occur generally automatically withoutrequiring any dedicated action, gesture or input from the user forcontrolling the settings. Thus, for instance, in one embodiment, asystem server may control lighting devices within a first space togenerate pulsing green light during an invite phase when the space isavailable for use (e.g., is not scheduled for use during a current ortemporally immanent period of time). When a user enters the space andcloses a door to a space egress, the door closing may trigger a welcomephase where lighting changes, a first sound track is played, etc. Whenthe user presents an identification device to a reader in the space toschedule use of the space during the current period, upon reading thedevice, the system may again change to lighting as well as the soundtrack, temperature in the space, air circulation, notice capability ofpersonal devices within the space (e.g., block delivery of e-mails,texts, etc., to devices in the space), etc. Near the end of thescheduled period of use, the system may, based on time, automaticallytrigger an emerge phase, again changing the lighting and sound effects,changing space temperature and air circulation, change the noticecapability of personal devices within the space, etc. When the useropens the door to exist the space, settings may revert back to theinvite settings to invite use of the space by another user.

Interruptions inevitably occur during space use. To deal withinterruptions during an ongoing space experience, the system may beprogrammed to automatically recognize when conditions within a spacehave changed and to adjust space affordances accordingly. For instance,where a user is performing individual focused work activity in a spaceand the lighting is high intensity on a work surface and dim generallywithin the ambient and a second person opens a door to the space, thesystem may sense the door opening (e.g., the trigger) and immediatelychange the lighting setting to have an intermediate level of lightintensity within the entire space and to dim the intensity on theprimary work surface. Thereafter, when the second person leaves thespace and closes the door, the lighting setting may revert back to theindividual focused work setting automatically. Other affordanceadjustments based on sensed interruptions are contemplated.

It has also been recognized that more than one space experience may beprovided by affordances associated with a space even if the space isoptimized for one type of space experience and that a system server orcontroller (e.g., a computer of some type either remote or local) maycontrol affordances based on the set of affordances available within aspace. For instance, where a space experience specification specifiesseven optimal affordance settings for a space and a specific space onlyincludes five of the seven affordances, the server will neverthelesscontrol the five affordances according to the specification in at leastsome embodiments of the present disclosure to present as much of anoptimized environment for a specific experience as possible.

In at least some embodiments separate spaces are optimally afforded fordifferent space experiences. For instance, in at least some cases afirst subset of spaces may be optimally fitted out to support restingactivities, a second subset of spaces may be optimally fitted out tosupport dyadic activities, a third subset of spaces may be optimallyfitted out to support individual focused work, etc. In these cases, inat least some embodiments, when a user takes control of a space, thespace experience associated with the optimal activity may be commencedautomatically. In some cases a user may be able to select a differentspace experience causing the system server to control the spaceaccording to a specification for the different experience that wasselected.

In some embodiments lighting devices used within the spaces are colorcontrollable so that the lighting devices can generate illumination ofvirtually any color. For instance, in at least some cases RGB LEDs maybe provided on lighting devices and may be controlled to generate anydesired light color. The different color illumination may be used toenhance space experiences. For instance, during a rest (e.g., nap)activity, space lighting may be dark blue, during a welcome phase of aspace experience the lighting may be a warm yellow/orange, where focusedwork is performed lighting may be bright white, etc. Light intensity andspecial effects may also be controlled to enhance specific activitiesand phases of different experiences. For instance, light intensity maybe pulsed in a sinusoidal pattern or to follow a sound track in somecases. As another instance, lighting color and effect may be controlledto simulate different effects like a rising sun, lightening in a darksky, etc. Other effects are contemplated.

In at least some cases a space or room control interface device may beprovided adjacent or within a space for manually adjusting affordancesvia an intuitive interface. For instance, lighting, sound, temperature,circulation, etc., may be controlled via a touch screen interface.

In at least some embodiments a space user can adjust affordance settingsfor specific types of space experiences (e.g., rest, individual focusedwork, dyadic space use, etc.) and can store those personalized settings.Thereafter, the system may, when the specific user is identified in aspace and a specific space experience is to be performed, use thepersonalized settings to present the experience to the space user.

In at least some embodiments where a space user has a personal portabledevice (e.g., a smart phone, a tablet type computing device, a laptop,etc.) in a space, the system may use one or more capabilities of thepersonal device to present at least some space experience effects. Forinstance, where a portable device includes speakers or an earphone jack,experience sound tracks may be played on the user device to be presentedto the user.

Many personal devices include some type of data collector or sensor. Forinstance, many personal devices include an accelerometer, a gyroscope,an elevation detector, etc. As another instance, many personal devicesinclude a camera that can obtain images. As yet another instance, somepersonal devices can now sense gestures proximate the devices (e.g.,adjacent a display screen). In at least some embodiments it iscontemplated that one or more of the sensors or data collectors on apersonal device may be used to obtain information that can operate as atrigger for controlling space affordances. For instance, where apersonal device is within a user's pocket and the user stands up duringindividual focused work, the accelerometer or some other sensor maysense the change in posture and send a wireless signal to a systemserver which may then change the lighting effect within the spaceaccording to an experience specification. As another instance, aportable device camera may be positioned within the space to obtainimages transmitted to the system server for examination to identifyother trigger activities.

These and other objects, advantages and aspects of the invention willbecome apparent from the following description. In the description,reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof,and in which there is shown a preferred embodiment of the invention.Such embodiment does not necessarily represent the full scope of theinvention and reference is made therefore, to the claims herein forinterpreting the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a space experience control systemaccording to at least some aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary space including variousspace affordances that is consistent with at least some aspects of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a single sided LED light panelassembly that may be used to form various sections of a space definingwall as shown in FIG. 2 and in other figures in this disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of an LED PCB board that may beused in the assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an exemplary RGB LED that may be used inthe assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of an indirect light assembly that maybe used in a space defining wall that is consistent with some aspects ofthis disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of a two sided light panel that isconsistent with at least some aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a display assembly consistent withat least some aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of another display assembly consistentwith some aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a lounge assembly that is consistentwith at least some aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling spaceaffordances to facilitate several phases of a generic space experience;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another space optimized to facilitate aspecific type of space experience according to at least some aspects ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart similar to the FIG. 11 flow chart, albeit forfacilitating a rest space experience within the space shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is similar to FIG. 12, albeit showing a space user standingwithin the space;

FIG. 15 is similar to FIG. 1, albeit showing the user closing the doorto the space illustrated;

FIG. 16 shows the user of FIG. 15 presenting an RFID card for reading bya reader within the space;

FIG. 17 shows the user of FIG. 16 in a seated position within the space;

FIG. 18 shows the user of FIG. 17 seated at the end of a rest activityand during an emerge phase of a space experience;

FIG. 19 shows the user of FIG. 18 opening a space door which acts as atrigger to start an invite phase of space control;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a space user in yet another spaceoptimized for a specific activity that is consistent with at least someaspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 shows the user of FIG. 21 in a seated position within the spaceand with the space door closed;

FIG. 22 is a partial side view of yet another space optimized forcertain activities;

FIG. 23 is a partial side view of yet another space optimized forcertain activities;

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of a database of space experiencespecifications;

FIG. 25 is a detailed schematic diagram of apportion of an exemplaryrest activity specification of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a detailed schematic diagram of apportion of an exemplaryrest activity specification of FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is a schematic representation of a screen shot for controllinglight effects within a space using a space control device according toat least some aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 28 is similar to FIG. 27, albeit showing a screen shot forselecting sound tracks and effects to be presented within a space;

FIG. 29 is similar to FIG. 27, albeit showing a screen shot forselecting temperature effects to be controlled within a space;

FIG. 30 is similar to FIG. 27, albeit showing a screen shot forselecting air circulation effects to be controlled within a space;

FIG. 31 is similar to FIG. 27, albeit showing a screen shot forselecting notice settings for a space during a space experience;

FIG. 32 is similar to FIG. 27, albeit showing a screen shot forselecting a space experience to be presented within a space;

FIG. 33 is similar to FIG. 24, albeit showing a database including spaceexperience specifications that are customized for different space users;

FIG. 34 is similar to FIG. 20, albeit illustrating a different set ofdisplay screens within a space;

FIG. 35 is a front plan view of some of the components shown in FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is similar to FIG. 35, albeit illustrating a different virtualdivision of display screen space; and

FIG. 37 is similar to FIG. 36, albeit illustrating a different virtualdivision of display screen space.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The various aspects of the subject disclosure are now described withreference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals correspond tosimilar elements throughout the several views. It should be understood,however, that the drawings and detailed description hereafter relatingthereto are not intended to limit the claimed subject matter to theparticular form disclosed. Rather, the intention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the claimed subject matter.

As used herein, the terms “component,” “system” and the like areintended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, acombination of hardware and software, software, or software inexecution. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to being,a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable,a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way ofillustration, both an application running on a computer and the computercan be a component. One or more components may reside within a processand/or thread of execution and a component may be localized on onecomputer and/or distributed between two or more computers or processors.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example,instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other aspects or designs.

Furthermore, the disclosed subject matter may be implemented as asystem, method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standardprogramming and/or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware,hardware, or any combination thereof to control a computer or processorbased device to implement aspects detailed herein. The term “article ofmanufacture” (or alternatively, “computer program product”) as usedherein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device, carrier, or media. For example, computerreadable media can include but are not limited to magnetic storagedevices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips . . . ), opticaldisks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD) . . . ),smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., card, stick). Additionallyit should be appreciated that a carrier wave can be employed to carrycomputer-readable electronic data such as those used in transmitting andreceiving electronic mail or in accessing a network such as the Internetor a local area network (LAN). Of course, those skilled in the art willrecognize many modifications may be made to this configuration withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals correspondto similar elements throughout the several views and, more specifically,referring to FIG. 1, the present disclosure will be described in thecontext of an exemplary environment optimization system 100 for use withone or more facility spaces, an exemplary space 220 shown in FIG. 2. Theexemplary space 220 is defined by wall structure including first andsecond lateral or side wall subassemblies 222 and 224, end wallsubassemblies 226 and 228, a ceiling subassembly 240 and a floorsubassembly (not labeled). U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/028,928titled “Floor-To-Ceiling Partition Wall System” that was filed on Sep.17, 2013 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety anddescribes one wall system that may be used to construct wallsubassemblies 222, 224, 226 and 228. Some of the walls in the '928application include glass panel members and others include opaque panelmembers for blocking sightlines. In FIG. 2 the side wall subassemblies222 and 224 are generally of the glass type while the end wallsubassemblies 226 and 228 are of the opaque panel type. The wallsubassembly 228 forms a door opening for entering/exiting the space 220and subassembly 228 includes a glass door 105 mounted for sliding motionbetween an open position (as illustrated) and a closed position wherethe door 105 closes the door opening into space 220.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the system 100 includes, among othercomponents, a server 102, at least one interface device 104, 106, 108,110, one or more sensor devices 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 137, adatabase 130, a control system 150, and a subset of output devicesassociated with specific spaces within a facility that, along with othercomponents, define spaces and that are controllable to changeenvironments within the spaces. For instance, the output devices mayinclude overhead lighting or under shelf lighting 178, upward facinglighting units 180 for on top of wall mounted storage bins (see 274 inFIG. 2), one sided panel light assemblies 182, two sided panel lightassemblies 228, indirect wall mounted lighting devices 290, lightsincluding bulbs 192, display screens 200, speakers 202 for generatingsound, indicators 204 of different types, etc., as well as controllersfor controlling output of the output devices and sub-systems forimplementing various affordances such as a video conferencing controller164 and a content sharing controller 165. In at least some cases one ormore of the glass type wall panels may be constructed using glass whereopacity of the glass can be controlled via a controller 147 or the likeas another space experience affordance.

Server 102 may include any type of computing device having thecapability to run space control software to take inputs from theinterface devices and the sensors and to provide output control signalsto the controller 150 for controlling various aspects of any givenspace. The server 102 may, for instance, include a remote or localstationary computer dedicated to controlling the devices in one orseveral different spaces within one or several facilities. As anotherinstance, the server 102 may include a portable computer in some casesthat runs software to perform various functions. The server 102 may behard wired to the control system 150 or may be wirelessly connected insome cases.

Server 102 is linked to database 130. Database 130 stores programs runby server 102 to perform various processes as described hereafter aswell as specifications for how the affordances within specific spacesare controlled as a function of various sensed parameters. Hereinafter,unless indicated otherwise, any specific sequence of affordance controlwill be referred to as a “space experience”. The space experiencespecifications can be changed by a system administrator using aworkstation 140 or other interface device in at least some cases. Also,in some cases, any or at least a subset of system users may be able tochange a subset or all of the space experience specifications or may beable to customize one or more space experience specifications for theirown use using an interface 140 or using a room controller device (e.g.,104). Any changes to a space experience specification may be stored indatabase 130 for subsequent use.

Referring again to FIG. 1, one type of interface device 104 may includea space mounted and dedicated flat screen input device like the one soldby Steelcase Inc. that is referred to as the “Room Wizard”. The RoomWizard device was originally provided for the purpose of maintaining aschedule for spaces like conference rooms, offices, etc. To this end, aRoom Wizard runs software to maintain a schedule and enabled users toreserve space remotely via a web based interface or locally by accessingscreen shots presented by the flat screen and reserving time within anassociated space. In the present disclosure, in at least someembodiments, a Room Wizard device or one similar thereto may also beprogrammed to include room control software algorithms to enable a userto control space affordances as well as to enable a conferee to savedifferent space experiences for subsequent use. In at least someembodiments the interface 104 may also be used to select a spaceexperience to be implemented during a period of use in a particularspace. Hereinafter, unless indicated otherwise, a period of use in aparticular space will be referred to as a “space session”.

RFID sensor 108 is a radio frequency sensor device that can be used tosense an RF identification card, badge, fob, etc. (e.g., an RFIFdevice), to obtain information therefrom. For instance, an RFID card mayinclude information for determining the identity of a system user thatis associated with the card so that one system user can be distinguishedfrom others. As another instance, an RFID card may simply indicatecharacteristics of personalized space experiences for a system userassociated with the card as opposed to indicating the identity of theuser. RFID sensor devices are well known and therefore will not bedescribed here in detail. It should suffice to say that when an RFidentification device is placed within a sensing range or areaassociated with the sensor 108, the sensor 108 obtains the informationstored on the identification device and provides that information toserver 102. Here, the RF sensor may be any type of RF sensor includingan NFC sensor or some type of conventional wireless communication (e.g.,RF should be considered broadly to include any type of wirelesscommunication unless indicated otherwise).

It is also contemplated that this information could be provided viatraditional wireless connections to the user's devices or via an IRconnection. It would also be possible to utilize a wired connection,although it is believed the wireless connection is particularlyadvantageous.

Portable device sensor 106 is a sensor for sensing that an electronicportable device associated with a specific user is within an areaassociated with a facility space. For instance, sensor 106 may include ablue tooth or sonic sensor device mounted within a doorway into a spaceto sense when a portable device passes through the doorway. Here, theBluetooth or sonic signal may be transmitted periodically and may causeany portable device within the doorway or even within the spaceassociated with the doorway to generate an identifying signal so thatthe identity of a user entering the space can be determined. Again, anysignal obtained by device 106 is provided to server 102.

Many spaces may be equipped with wireless access devices 132 mounted inceiling structure or at other locations to facilitate communicationbetween server 102 and personal portable electronic devices like tablettype devices, smart phones, laptop computers, 110, etc. In at least somecases signals received by a set of access points proximate a space maybe used to triangulate the location of a specific portable device and todetermine when the device is located within a specific space.Triangulation algorithms are well known in the industry and thereforeare not explained here in detail. Once a portable electronic device isassociated with a space, control screens for the space may be presentedvia the interface device that are similar to the screens that can bepresented via a Room Wizard interface screen.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, door sensor 112 includes one or moreproximity or motion sensor devices mounted within a door for sensingwhen the door is either moving or is in an open or closed position orboth moving and in an open or closed position. In FIG. 2 two sensors 112are located along the top edge of the egress into a space where slidingglass door 105 is mounted to wall subassembly 228 for sliding movementbetween an open position (shown in FIG. 2) and a closed position (notshown). The sensor 112 on the right as illustrated is located to senseeither when the door is in the open position or to sense when the doorstarts to move from the open position toward the closed position bysensing the leading edge of the door. The sensor on the left asillustrated is located to sense either when the door 105 is closed or tosense when the door starts to move from the closed position toward theopen position by sensing the leading edge of the door. In otherembodiments a single sensor device may sense all door conditions. Forinstance, a single sensor device located at the location of the sensor112 on the right in FIG. 2 may sense codes on a rear surface of the door105 as the door slides between positions where different codes indicatedifferent juxtapositions (e.g., opened, closed, etc.) of the door 105.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in at least some cases a temperature sensor114 may be provided in one or a subset of spaces within a facility tosense and provide a temperature reading to server 102 for an associatedspace. In FIG. 2, an exemplary temperature sensor 114 is shown mountedwithin the space defining wall 222. Sensor 114 should be located at anintermediate height within the space to obtain a temperature reading ata height within the space that is commensurate with the locationoccupied by a system user within the space 220.

In addition to or instead of the temperature sensor 114, other types ofsensors including a motion sensor 118, a proximity sensor 120 or apresence sensor 122 may be provided within or adjacent space 220 (seeagain FIG. 2) for sensing motion or presence of a system user withinspace 220. While only one device is shown in FIG. 2 as representing eachof several different types of sensors, it should be appreciated thateach sensor may be a separate device, that is some embodiments there maybe several instances of a single type of device associated with a space220 and that any or a subset of the sensors may be positioned at otherlocations associated with space including in other walls subassemblies,in the egress into space 220, in the ceiling subassembly 240, in thefloor subassembly, in any one of the furniture affordances within thespace 220 (e.g., with a desk or table structure 250, within a wallmounted bin structure 274, etc.

In addition, a sensor may be located within a moveable affordance withinspace 220 such as within a lounge chair 252 for supporting a user inspace 220. Here, in at least some cases a wireless transceiver may beprovided within the lounge chair for transmitting signals when a sensortherein senses something. For instance, the sensor in chair 252 maysense presence of a user in the chair via proximity, motion, weight,etc., and may wirelessly transmit a signal to an access point 132associated with space 220.

Furthermore, any of the motion, presence, proximity, etc., sensors maybe mounted as at 115 in FIG. 2 within an egress into the space 220 tosense when a user moves through the egress and into the space and/orwhen a user exits the space 220. Signals from each of sensors 118, 120and 122 are provided to server 102 for processing.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, one or more cameras 116 may be mountedwithin a space 220 to obtain images within the space 220 that can beanalyzed by the server 102 to assess activities occurring within thespace. For instance, instead of using motion or proximity sensors tosense when someone is within space 220, camera images can be examined toidentify a person within the space 220. In addition to simplydetermining if the space is occupied, images can be used for otherpurposes such as, for instance, counting persons within a space,determining the position of one person in the space or the relativejuxtapositions of two or more persons within the space, recognizingposture of a person or persons within the space, identifying gestures bya person or persons within the space, etc.

Any of the conditions or circumstances identified using images from oneor a plurality of cameras within the space can be used as a trigger fora specific space experience or for a space experience to transition fromone phase to a next sequential phase. In FIG. 2, two cameras 116 aremounted to the ceiling structure 240 where each has a differentperspective on essentially the same field of view. Here the server 102would use images from both cameras to assess circumstances within thespace. In addition to using cameras 116 to obtain space images, in atleast some embodiments a camera 280 associated with a displays screen200 or useable for teleconferencing or video conferencing may be used toobtain images of the space 220 useable to assess circumstances withinthe space.

Use of a video conferencing camera may be particularly useful where thespace 220 is relatively small so that the cameras 280 is capable ofobtaining images of a relatively large portion of the space 220. In atleast some cases camera 280 may have an adjustable/controllable field ofview so that, when not being used to facilitate a video conference, thecamera's field of view can be expanded to obtain images corresponding toa relatively large portion of the space area. Then, during a videoconferencing session, the camera's field of view may be altered andoptimized to obtain images of a conferee using the space 220.

The video conferencing camera may also be located in a position to viewthe usable space with high definition (e.g., generating high definitionimages). The camera may be able to generate images useable by aprocessor running a face recognition program to determine the identityof a user within a space. This could in turn be used to adjust theaffordances in accordance with the particular preferences of the user.In addition to identifying a user via facial features, other biometricinformation may be sensed via other types of features including an eyescanning sensor, a finger print reader, etc.

Referring again to FIG. 1, control system 150 may include a room controlsystem like the ones provided by Creston Corporation that can be used tomanually control various environmental affordances within a spaceincluding lighting, video conferencing, data sharing, sound, etc. Knowncontrollers enable space users to manually adjust environmentalaffordances as desired. For instance, temperature could be adjusted tosuit a user's preference. Lighting could be turned on or off and in somecases light intensity may be adjusted. A video conferencing session maybe initiated and controlled. The control system 150 has othercapabilities as described here after.

Referring to FIG. 1, control system 150 provides output control signalsto various system components including, among others, a lightingcontroller 160 which in turn drives a lighting control 176 and/oranother intermediate control bridge device 190. The lighting control 176drives lighting devices 178, 180 and 182. The lighting devices 178include overhead ceiling mounted lighting devices. Each device 178 maybe a simple white light generating device controllable to adjust lightintensity and light color output within a relatively narrow range. Inother cases each lighting device may include components controllable togenerate many different lighting effects such as virtually any lightingcolor, pulsating lighting, flickering lighting, lighting that fades onand off, lighting that fades from one color to another, etc. Forinstance, in at least some embodiments RGB LEDs may be used to constructeach of the lighting devices 178 where each RGB LED can be controlled togenerate virtually any color of light. Here, in at least someembodiments, the LEDs may be mounted within a light assembly includingone or more light pipes that guide and disperse light therefrom into thespace 220 (see again FIG. 2). Here, the idea is that the RGB LED lightdevices can be controlled to facilitate various space experiences aswill be described in greater detail below. Although not shown, one ormore devices 178 may be mounted to an undersurface 280 of one or morewall mounted bins 274 for generating downward directed light to wash aportion of the wall assembly 224 as well as the top surface of a table250 there below.

Lighting devices 180 are similar to devices 178 and therefore, in atleast some cases, will include RGB LEDs and other structure forgenerating various lighting effects to facilitate various spaceexperiences. Referring to FIG. 2, although not shown, devices 180 may besupported along top surfaces 276 of wall mounted bins 274 for generatingupwardly directed light to wash a portion of the wall subassembly 224that resides above the bin 274.

Lighting device 182 is a light panel that, when illuminated, effectivelyglows as it emits light to one side of the device structure. This typeof lighting device is generally described in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/913,254 titled “Panel Light Assembly” which was filed onJun. 7, 2013 and which is incorporated herein in its entirety byreference. The basic structure of light panel 182 is shown in crosssection in FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 3, panel 182 includes a rigid framestructure 300 formed out of four extruded or otherwise formed rails (twoshown in cross section at 300 in FIG. 3) that form a plurality ofchannels for receiving, supporting and separating three planar members302, 304 and 306 as well as LED sub-assemblies 308. Member 302 is areflector member that includes a reflective surface that, upon mountingin the frame 300, faces member 304 and is separated therefrom by a gap.

Member 304 is a light pipe type member that is defined by edges and thatis formed of a generally clear material selected to guide light from theedges while leaking light out surfaces thereof. Light that leaks towardreflector member 302 is reflected back through member 304 and out thefront surface thereof. In some embodiments both surfaces of member 304are polished. In other cases one or both surfaces of member 304 may havesome treatment (e.g., mechanical machinations, frosting, etc.) to causelight to disperse there from. LED sub-assemblies 308 are mounted alongone, two or each edge of member 308 to direct light there into.

Member 306 is a light transmitting cover member and includes an externalsurface when mounted that is substantially flush with adjacent surfacesof the frame member 300. Light from member 304 passes through covermember 306 to illuminate a space adjacent thereto.

Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary LED subassembly 308 includes a ribbonof printed circuit board (PCB) 310 or other support substrate and a lineof RGB LEDs 314 mounted to a top surface 312 thereof. Referring to FIG.5, each RGB LED 314 includes three different LEDs, one red, one greenand one blue, that can be independently controlled to adjust intensity.When LEDs on two or more colors are illuminated at the same time and thelight is directed in member 308, the light mixes in member 308 andcreates a combined color. Thus, for instance, a shade of yellow can begenerated by turning on green and blue LEDs at the same time. LEDintensity is controllable using a PWM technique or other controlalgorithm. Thus, each light panel 182 can be used to generate lighthaving virtually any desired color. In addition, by controlling the LEDsin device 182 differently during a sequence, the lighting effect can becontrolled to facilitate a different space experience.

Referring again to FIG. 2, one or more indirect lighting devices 290 maybe mounted within one or more of the space defining wall structures.Referring also to FIG. 6, an exemplary indirect light structure 290includes, among other things, a bent metal or extruded housing structure330, a reflector member 332, a cover member 334 and an LED subassembly336. Housing structure 330 includes wall members that form a cavity andthat have upward and downwardly facing edge channels for mating with lipmembers formed by cover member 334. Reflector 332 is mounted within thecavity and forms a reflective surface that faces an internal surface ofcover member 334. The LED subassembly 336 may be similar to thesubassembly described above with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5 and thereforemay include RGB LEDs controllable to generate light of any desiredcolor. Light from subassembly 336 is directed at the reflective surfaceof member 332 and reflects therefrom and passes through cover member 334and into an adjacent space.

In the case of either of the lighting device 182 and 290 describedabove, after the device is mounted to a support frame structure, anopaque panel is usually mounted on the opposite side of the framestructure to give a finished appearance.

FIG. 7 shows a two sided light panel assembly 228 that is similar to theassembly shown in FIG. 3, albeit where the reflecting member 302 hasbeen effectively replaced by a second cover member 346. Assembly 228includes a dual part frame structure 340 and 342 that snap together fromopposite sides of a support frame to mount the assembly 228 to thesupport frame. Frame structures 340 and 342 form resilient mating ribsor lips 355 and 357 that engage in a friction fit to effectivelysandwich the support frame structure there between. Although not shownadditional locking structure may be provided for locking the framestructures 340 and 342 together on a frame. Structure 342 forms firstand second channels 358 and 350 about its internal perimeter thatreceive and support a light transmissive cover member 348 and a lightguide member 344 and LED subassemblies 308. Structure 340 forms achannel 356 about its internal perimeter that receives and supports asecond light transmissive cover member 346. Light from within guide 344escapes there from and passes to either side of the assembly 228lighting space on either side thereof. In at least some cases the guide344 may include surface disturbances (e.g., etching, frosting) orinternal doping with reflective specs or the like that varies or isuniform throughout its area to better disperse light passing therethrough to areas adjacent the assembly.

Referring again to FIG. 1, bulbs 192 may include Phillips' Hue bulbsthat each include RGB LEDs and control circuitry for generatingvirtually any light color and a range of different intensities. Eachbulb may be mounted in any of several different types of lamp assembliesincluding a hanging lamp assembly 193 as shown in FIG. 2. Other lampassemblies are contemplated. The bridge 190 shown in FIG. 2 may be aPhillips' Hue bridge and may be used to wirelessly control one or moreof the bulbs 192.

Referring again to FIG. 1, video conferencing controller 164 is acontroller for controlling a video conference within the space 220 andis therefore linked to a display screen 200 as well as, perhaps, acamera 280 associated therewith. The conferencing system may be any oneof the system provided by Cisco Systems or other video conferencingsystem manufacturers.

Referring again to FIG. 1, display device(s) 200 may be any type of flatpanel display device that is spatially associated with space 220. Forinstance, display 200 may be mounted to or otherwise supported by a deskor table assembly 250 within space 220. In other cases a display devicemay be mounted to one of the wall subassemblies. In still other cases itis contemplated that a display device may be mounted within one of thewall assemblies. To this end, see for instance the structure shown inFIG. 8 where a two part frame subassembly similar to the frame shown inFIG. 7 supports an electronic display screen 370. In this case a firstframe structure 362 forms a channel 366 for supporting a transparentcover member 374 that is substantially flush with the adjacent portionof the frame structure 362 and also forms a channel 364 for receivingthe display screen 370. In FIG. 8 the emissive surface of display 370faces member 374. The second frame structure 360 forms a single channelfor supporting opaque panel member 372 to give a finished appearance onthe opposite side of the wall structure.

Yet another configuration where a display screen 200′ is mounted withina wall structure is shown in FIG. 9. In FIG. 9, a frame includes a twopart structure 390 and 392 where frame structure 390 is similar to framestructure 360 described above with respect to FIG. 8. Frame structure392, however, is different in that structure 392 only forms a singlechannel 394 for receiving and support a display screen 398 so that afront surface of display 398 is substantially flush with adjacentportions of frame structure 392.

In either of the two configurations shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 where adisplay screen is mounted within a wall structure, it is contemplatedthat different thickness display screens will be available for use. Forthis reason in at least some structure may be provided to compensate fordifferent screen thicknesses. In this regard see in FIG. 9 that mountingblocks 391 are provided in some cases to clamp against a rear surface ofa display screen during mounting. A fastening bolt 393 is provided foreach mounting clamp which passes through a block opening and a slot inthe frame structure 392. A nut 395 on the distal end of each bolt can betightened to sandwich a display screen between the block and a facinglip on the frame structure 392. Thus, to install a screen, the screen ismounted via the blocks and bolts to a frame structure 392 and then theframe structures are clipped together from opposite sides of a supportframe to secure the assembly 200′ to the support frame. Again, anadditional locking mechanism may be provided to maintain the framestructures 390 and 392 secured together.

Although only a lounge chair 252 and a simple table assembly 250 areshown in FIG. 2, additional or other furniture affordances may beprovided within a space 220. To this end, see for instance FIG. 10 thatincludes a sofa type lounge 400 a that is long enough to support atleast two persons side by side comfortably. Here, the lounge includes aseat structure 402 and a back rest support structure 404. A utility well406 is formed between end sections of the seat structure and a covermember 408 is hinged to the lounge 400 a to open and close therebyenabling access to the well 406. In at least some embodiments controldevices 410 (two shown) are provided within the well 406 (or within anarm rest structure, not shown) that can be used to link to a spacemounted displays screen 200. In at least some embodiments each controldevice 410 is cabled to a port within the well 406 and another end ofthe cable is linkable to a portable computing device like a laptop 418,a tablet type device (not shown) or a smart phone device (not shown).U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/912,442 titled “Personal ControlApparatus And Method For Sharing Information In A CollaborationWorkspace” that was filed on Jun. 78, 2013 describes one control devicethat may be used as device 410 and is incorporated herein in itsentirety by reference for its teachings of a control apparatus forcontent presented on a display screen. Referring again to FIG. 1, inaddition to including the control devices 410, the sub-system of FIG. 10may also include a content sharing system controller 165 akin to the onedescribed in the '442 application that manages who has control of adisplay screen 220 based on various rules.

Referring still to FIG. 10, various events associated with use of thecontrol devices within the well 410 may also be used to trigger specificspace experiences or phases of those experiences. For instance, openingdoor or cover member 408 may be sensed and trigger a phase change.Connecting a control device 410 to a computer may be sensed and triggera phase change. Selection of a button on a control device 410 maytrigger a phase change. Disconnecting a device 410 from a source laptopor the like may trigger a phase change. Closing the cover 408 maytrigger a phase change.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, in other embodiments it iscontemplated that the content sharing controller 165 may supportwireless linkage within space 220 to one or more display screens. Tothis end, the '442 application referenced above also teaches a wirelessprocess for associating a portable computing device with display screenswithin a space and for then controlling content presented on the screensthe wireless teachings of the '442 patent are incorporated herein byreference.

Referring to FIG. 1, a music player 166 is provided for playing audioclips. For instance, player 166 may be programmed to play various soundtracks including one or more white noise tracks, one or more naturetracks (e.g., a rainstorm track, a wind track, a waves crashing track,etc.), one or more scene tracks (e.g., a street café track, a busterminal track, etc.). although not shown, player 166 may be equipped tofade one track in while simultaneously fading a second track out so thattransitions between different tracks are not perceived as abrupt.Amplifier 168 links control system 150 to speakers 202 and controls thevolume of the tracks played by player 166.

Temperature controller 170 uses signals from control system 150 toregulate temperature within space 220. To this end controller may belinked to a space heater and perhaps some type of cooling (e.g., airconditioning) unit associated with space 220. Similarly air circulationcontroller 172 is used to regulate air circulation within space 220 andmay be linked to a fan or the like that is mounted behind a circulationvent (see 254 in FIG. 2).

Privacy indicator 204 in at least some embodiments, includes a simplelight device that is spatially associated with space 220 and that canindicate when a certain level of privacy can be relied upon. Forinstance in FIG. 2, when door 105 is completely closed, server 102 maycause indicator 204 to illuminate to indicate privacy. As anotherinstance, where a microphone or other sound sensor is mounted outsidespace as shown at 137, sound picked up at 137 may be compared to soundsensed within space 220 via an internal microphone 139 to identify whensound initiated in space 220 carries outside space 220 and to identifythe volume of sound outside space 220. Then, if sound that carries frominside space 220 to outside space 220 is below a threshold level,indicator light 204 may be illuminated and if the sound rises above thatlevel the indicator light 204 may be turned off. Other ways of sensingprivacy are contemplated.

Referring again to FIG. 2, in still other embodiments one or more glasspanels that form parts of a space dividing structure (e.g., a wall) mayinclude electronically controlled tinting or “dynamic” glass wheretransparency of the glass can be controlled by a system user orautomatically by the server 102 to further facilitate certain spaceexperiences. For instance, in some experiences a user may wanttransparent walls or panels while during others the user may desireopaque walls or panels. Two companies that have developed dynamic glasstechnology and products include Smart Shade and View, Inc., either ofwhich could provide dynamic panel glass for embodiments of thedisclosure.

While the above system includes a large number of different types ofsensors, interface devices and output devices, it should be appreciatedthat the present disclosure contemplates systems with far fewer devicesand sub-systems. For instance, while some embodiments may include dualsided light panels as described with reference to FIG. 7 above, otherembodiments will not include such panels. As another instance, someembodiments may include display screens and/or speakers while otherembodiments do not. As yet another instance, some embodiments mayinclude control devices as described above with respect to FIG. 10 whileothers do not include such control devices.

It has been recognized that different subsets of the above describedaffordances may facilitate different optimized or enhanced multi-phasespace experiences. For instance, in a case where a person intends to usea personal space to rest for a few minutes prior to a next meeting, aproperly afforded space may automatically run through a multi-phasespace experience to invite the user into the space, transition the userto a rest state, help the user maintain the rest state and help theconferee emerge from the rest state. As another example, in a case wheretwo users intend to use a space to share content from personal portabledevices with each other in a dyadic fashion, a properly afforded spacemay run through a space experience program to invite the users into thespace, to help a first user that arrives to prepare for the dyadicsession, to transition the users to a dyadic sharing environment wheredisplays can be easily used to facilitate sharing and perhaps somecontent development and to help the user's transition out of the dyadicenvironment when the session is completed. Many other sequences

Referring now to FIG. 11, a process 430 that is consistent with at leastsome aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. During the entireprocess shown in FIG. 121, server 102 (see again FIG. 2) monitors inputsfrom one or more sensor devices 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, etc., anddetermine how to control space affordances as a function of the sensedinputs to facilitate a specific space experience. At block 432 server102 controls the affordances associated with a specific space (e.g.,lighting, sound, etc.) to present an “invite environment” within thespace. Here, it is contemplated that in at least some embodiments, wheretwo spaces within a facility have similar affordances and thereforesimilar capabilities to present space experiences, all inviteenvironments will have similar characteristics so that system users canbecome accustomed to quickly recognizing an invite experience anddistinguishing that experience from others. Here, the inviteenvironments may only be similar because different spaces may and oftendo have different environmental affordances. For instance, a first spacemay include one or several display screens (see again 200 in FIG. 2)while other spaces may have no display screens. Nevertheless, each ofthe two spaces may include similar lighting, audio components forgenerating sound, sensor arrays, temperature and circulationaffordances, etc. Here, the common affordances may be controlled in asimilar fashion to facilitate a space experience and the screens in thefirst space may be used to enhance the experience.

An invite experience should be an experience that indicates that aparticular space is available for use and that can be reflected in atleast some fashion in each of several different spaces irrespective ofthe affordances within each space. For instance, where a facilityincludes thirty separate spaces within a general area that can be usedby one person or a small group of persons and where each of the spacesincludes at least some light device that is capable of generatingvarious colors of light, a universal invite environment may includegenerating green colored light using each light device in a space thatis capable of generating green light. Thus, where fifteen of the thirtyspaces are available for use, a user may simply observe which spaces aregenerating green light and therefore which spaces are inviting use.Other more complex invite environments are contemplated.

Referring again to FIG. 11, while the invite environment is presented atblock 432, at block 434 server 102 monitors sensed inputs to identifyspecific circumstances or triggers that indicate that a user at leastnear the space has an interest in using the space. For example, aninterest in using a space may be identified when the system senses thata user has entered the space, when a user closes a door after havingentered the space, when a user verbally announces (e.g., annunciates“control space”) a desire to claim the space, etc. at block 436, if notrigger indicating interest is identified, control continues to loopback through blocks 432 and 434 where the invite environment persists.

Once a possible interest trigger is identified, control passes to block438 where server 102 controls the output devices in an associated spaceto present a “welcome environment” (e.g., a second phase of a spaceexperience). The welcome environment is designed to welcome a user andtransition the user to an activity to be performed within the space.While many different welcome environments are contemplated, it isenvisioned that the welcome environments associated with differentactivities to perform within a space will be different depending of theactivity to which the space experience is transitioning to. For example,if the activity to be facilitated within a space is a rest or meditationtype activity, the welcome environment may be one designed to, inaddition to indicating a transition from the invite state, reduce stressand calm the user. For instance, the welcome state may call for thecolor of the lighting in the space to be changed from the universalgreen associated with an invite environment to a warm yellow/orange andmay cause a relaxing sound track to be faded in at a low volume, mayreduce air circulation within the space and may control one or moredisplay screens within the space to present a color output that issimilar to the color of the light generated by the lighting deviceswithin the space.

As another example, where the activity to be facilitated includesfocused individual work, the welcome environment may first include achange from green to warm yellow/orange light and a city sound trackthat includes the sounds of a busy street to indicate a transition fromthe invite state and then the light may slowly fade to extremely brightwhite light throughout the space 220 and a cool blast of air via the aircirculation controller 172 to invigorate the user during a two minuteperiod prior to the focused activity. During the two minute welcomephase the user could stow a bag and/or a garment, get materials out of abag and set them up on the work surface and get seated in a comfortableposition within the space.

As yet one other example, in a case where a space is to be used fordyadic collaboration between two persons, the welcome environment may,in addition to changing from green light to warm yellow/orange, call forturning on displays screens within the space and starting a processdesigned to enable two persons to share content via those screens. Forinstance, the process designed to enable sharing may include steppingthrough a password entry process enabling users in the space toassociate their portable devices with the space whereby the systemgenerates a random password which is presented on each screen in thespace and each user enters the same password into their portable devicesto associate each portable device with the space and hence with thedisplays mounted within the space 220. In other cases where the systemincludes hardware controllers like the controllers 410 described abovewith respect to FIG. 10, the system may simply instruct each user toplug one of the control devices 410 into their portable device as partof the welcome environment phase.

Referring again to FIG. 11, while the welcome environment is presented,server 102 monitors for a circumstance or trigger that indicates atransition to the activity phase to be facilitated. For instance, asuccessful RFID read may comprise a transition trigger, the end of aperiod (e.g., a 2 minute welcome environment process) may trigger atransition, a user in a space assuming a different position such as aseated position may comprise a transition trigger, etc. If a trigger isnot detected at 442, control passes to block 452 where server 102monitors for an end of space use trigger. Here, it is recognized that aninterest trigger may be detected at 436 and thereafter a potential spaceuser may not transition to an activity within the space and may insteadend use of the space in some fashion. Transition to block 452 enablesexit from the activity monitoring loop.

If a transition trigger occurs at block 442, server 102 presents an“activity environment” at block 444 that is designed to enhance thespecific activity to be facilitated within the space. For instance,where the activity is a rest activity, server 102 may automatically fadeto a rainstorm sound track that mimics rain falling on pavement andlight thunder noise and may also fade to a dark blue light that pulsesalong with the sound of the periodic thunder noise. As another instance,where the activity is focused individual work, server 102 mayautomatically lower the light intensity surrounding a work surface whilemaintaining high intensity white light on top of the work surface andthe sound may fade to a low volume white noise track to drown out anyambient noises proximate the space.

In the case of a dyadic activity, the activity environment may includefading a sound track off and lowering lighting in a space generallywhile still having area lighting lit up above or proximate conferees inthe space.

At block 446 server 102 monitors for a trigger or action that indicatesthe end of a specific activity or the end of a period assigned to thespecific activity. For instance, in the case of a rest activity, thetrigger may be the end of a period over which the activity was to occur.Thus, if a rest period or session was to include a total of thirtyminutes including a two minute transition in during the welcome phaseand a two minute transition out phase near the end of the session,server 102 would be programmed to recognize the end of a 28 minuteperiod as a trigger and, at block 448, would move to block 450 at theend of the period and would present an “emerge environment”.

As another instance, in the case of focused individual work, the triggermay be a conferee standing up within the space and opening the spacedoor 105. In another embodiment the trigger may be a conferee turningoff or otherwise disassociating her personal portable device from thespace. In still another case the trigger may be 5 minutes prior to anext scheduled time for the space (e.g., prior to the start time of useof the space by another person). Other triggers are contemplated.

In the case of dyadic activities, the trigger may include opening of thespace door, one or both of two conferees leaving the space, at least oneconferee leaving and remaining out of a space for at least a thresholdtime period (e.g., five minutes), delinking of portable devices from thespace, etc.

Until an end of activity trigger occurs at block 448, control continuesto loop back through blocs 440, 442, 444 and 446. Once an end ofactivity trigger occurs, control passes to block 450 where server 102controls the space affordances to present an “emerge” environment toindicate the end of an activity period and to help transition a spaceuser out of the space. For instance, in the case of a rest activitywithin a space, the system may fade lighting up to a bright yellow lightthat floods the space, present a video of the sun coming up, fade in amorning sounds track including chirping birds and light waves rolling inon a beach, increase air circulation and decrease temperature by a fewdegrees. In the case of individual focused work, the system may increasearea light generally while decreasing intensity of light on a worksurface so that the light in an entire space is essentially uniform butat an intensity that is less than optimal for individual focused work,fade in a different sound track and change other environmentalcharacteristics. In the case of dyadic work, in addition to changinglighting, sound, temperature and air circulation characteristics, thesystem may also facilitate storing of any digitally developed workproduct by querying conferees if any content (e.g., documents or filesopened in the space) should be stored for subsequent use, e-mailed toone or several accounts such as one or more e-mail accounts associatedwith the conferees in the space, etc.

At block 452, server 102 monitors for an end of space use trigger. Theend of space use trigger indicates that the person or persons that weremost recently using the space no longer intend to use the space. Forinstance, an end of space use trigger may include a person leaving thespace. In other cases an end of space trigger may require that a personremain outside a space for at least three minutes (e.g., some thresholdduration). In other cases an end of space use trigger may require that aperson affirmatively disconnect the person's portable device (e.g. atablet, phone, etc.) from the space and leave the space for at leastthree minutes. In yet other cases a person may have to leave a largerspace such as a building or a floor on a building or a depart on a floorof a building to disassociate from a personal or conference space.

Referring again to FIG. 11, at block 454, until an end of space usetrigger is detected, control continues to loop back up to block 440where server 102 monitors for circumstances indicating a transition toan activity. If a trigger is detected at 454, control passes back up toblock 432 where server 102 represents the invite environment (e.g.,green light) to invite other persons to use the space.

The space experience described above with respect to FIG. 11 includesfour stages or phases and four trigger based transitions between thefour phases at blocks 436, 442, 448 and 454. In other cases it iscontemplated that less or more phases may occur, depending on the spaceexperience that is being facilitated. It is also contemplated that morethan one trigger may be specified for each of the phase transitions thatoccurs. For instance, referring again to FIG. 11, at block 448 whereserver 102 monitors for an end of activity trigger, server 102 may beprogrammed to monitor for any one of a space user leaving a space,affirmatively indicating an end to use of the space via a Room Wizard orthe like, disassociating the user's personal device from the space, etc.

In at least some embodiments it is contemplated that different spacesmay be fitted out with different affordances that are optimized fordifferent activities. For instance, some spaces may be optimized tofacilitate individual rest activities while other spaces may beoptimized to facilitate individual focused work and still other spacesmay be optimized to facilitate dyadic conferencing activities or videoconferencing activities. In these cases, when a user transitions to anactivity within the space at block 442 in FIG. 11, the server mayautomatically facilitate the activity that the space is optimized topresent. For instance, when a user enters a space optimized for restactivities and closes a door to the space and causes the user's RFIDdevice to be read (e.g., a block 442 trigger in FIG. 11), server 102 maypresent the rest activity space experience. As another instance, when auser enters a different space optimized for dyadic activities and aclaiming or activity trigger occurs, the system may immediately presentthe dyadic space experience.

In at least some cases it is contemplated that while a space may beoptimally designed to facilitate one or another space experience, a usermay be able to use the space to facilitate a different space experience,albeit one that is less than optimal given affordances within the space.For instance, where only a first space that is optimized for dyadicactivities is available for use at a specific time (e.g., all otherspaces are used by others) but a user wants 30 minutes of rest, the usermay opt to use the dyadic space for rest. Here, the user would specify arest activity and server 102 would identify the affordances associatedwith the dyadic space and present a rest space experience within thedyadic space even though the experience would not be optimized for rest.

Referring now to FIG. 12, an exemplary space 460 that includesaffordances that are optimized for presenting a rest space experience isshown. The space affordances include single sided illuminated wallpanels 462, 464, 466 (see again the single sided light panel structurein FIGS. 3 through 5) and a fourth panel (not shown) where one of thepanels 464 forms an egress 468 that is closable via a sliding door 470that includes a handle 472. Sensors 474 and 476 are mounted within theegress 468 to detect the location of the door 470. A speaker 202 ismounted in a ceiling structure, an RFID sensor/reader 472 is mounted inwall structure 464 and a room control device (e.g., a Room Wizard) 104is also mounted within the wall structure 464. A comfortable loungechair 252 is provided within the space 460. In at least some embodimentsthe lounge chair 452 may have at least some reclining capabilities.

Referring to FIG. 13, a process 490 that shows an exemplary rest spaceexperience that may be facilitated within the space 460 of FIG. 12 isshown. Referring also again to FIG. 1, at block 492, server 105 presentsan invite environment by illuminating the wall light panels 462, 464,466 and the fourth light panel (not shown) with pulsing green light. InFIG. 14, a potential space user 501 has entered the space. At this pointthe invite environment is continually presented in this example. Atblock 494 server 105 monitors sensor 474 to determine when the door 470starts to move to the closed position. In FIG. 15 it can be seen thatthe user has closed the door 470. At block 496, once door movementtoward the closed position is sensed, control passes to block 498 whereserver 102 fades the light within the wall panels from the pulsing greento a non-pulsed warm orange/yellow and also fades on a city walk soundtrack.

At block 500 server 102 monitors sensor 472 for an RFID device read. INFIG. 16 the user presents an RFID device to be read by sensor 478. Onceand RFID device is read at 502, control passes to block 504 where server102 fades in a rainstorm sound track and fades the lighting effect to ablue pulsing effect where the pulses are synchronized with the soundtrack. Here, the blue pulsing light and sound track are designed tofacilitate rest. As shown in FIG. 17, the user sits in the lounge 452and assumes a comfortable position as the light and sound track fadeinto the rest phase states.

At block 506 server 102 monitors for an end of activity trigger. Here,in at least some embodiments, the end of activity trigger will be theend of a period (e.g., a 30 minute rest period). At block 508, as theend of a period is approaching (e.g., two minutes prior to the end ofthe period during which the user has reserved the space for), controlpasses to block 510 where server 102 fades to the emerge environment. Inthis case the server 102 fades to a warm orange/yellow and fades in thecity walk sound track again. This time the warm light may be pulsing andthe city walk sound track may fade to a higher volume than presented atblock 498. Near the end of the reserved period, the system may identifya next scheduled event for the space user and may generate an audiblemessage to the user indicating the next event. In the alternative, theserver may identify two or more events scheduled for the user andpresent a full or truncated schedule in an audible message. In FIG. 18it is shown that at the end of an activity the system will present anemerge environment.

At block 512 server 102 monitors for an end of space use trigger. InFIG. 13, the end of space use trigger includes opening the space door.In FIG. 19 the user is shown opening the door 470 which triggers the endof space use. Once door 470 is opened, control passes back up to block492 where server 102 again presents the invite environment (e.g., greenpulsating walls).

As described above, other triggers and phase environments for a restspace experience are contemplated. For instance, the simple door opentrigger at block 514 may be replaced by a door open and remains open forat least three minutes trigger if the period during which the space isreserved has not lapsed. As another instance, an RFID read may not berequired to kick off a rest activity and closing a door within the restspace 460 may suffice for server 102 to present a rest space experience.

Referring now to FIG. 20, an exemplary space optimized to facilitatedyadic activities is shown. The dyadic space includes four wallsubassemblies 534, 536, 538 and 542 that form a rectilinear space 532and a ceiling structure 540 that closes off the top of the space. Eachof lateral walls 534 and 538 may includes opaque panel assembliesgenerally. A storage bin 274 a 274 b is mounted to each of the lateralwalls 534 and 536 at about head height (e.g., a lower floor member ofeach of the bins may be anywhere between four and a half feet and sixfeet above the floor structure). An upwardly shining light (see again180 in FIG. 1) may be mounted to the top surface of each of the bins 274a and 274 b for directing light toward the upper portion of each of thewalls 534 and 538.

Each of the end walls 536 and 542 is similarly constructed and eachincludes double sided RGB LED light panels that can be controlled togenerate virtually any color light and that shine light to either sidethereof when illumination is turned on. Each end wall 536 and 542 formsan egress and includes a sliding glass door 105, 531 that can be openedor closed.

Referring still to FIG. 20, a lounge structure 400 a, 400 b akin to thelounge structure described above with respect to FIG. 10 is providedagainst each of the lateral wall subassemblies 534 and 538 such thatpersons sitting on the different lounges face each other. Each lateralwall includes a flat panel display screen 200 a and 200 b mountedtherein at a height below the bottom surface of one of the bins 274 aand 274 b and above the lounge 400 a or 400 b positioned there below. Inat least some embodiments each of the displays 200 a and 200 b may beoffset to one side (e.g., closer to one of the end walls 536 or 542 thanthe other) so that if a user sits on one end of a lounge 400 a, thedisplay 200 a can be seen substantially unobstructed to the side of theuser's head. In some embodiments display 200 a may be offset to one wall(e.g., 536) while the other screen 200 b is offset to the other wall(e.g., 542).

Where each of the lounges 400 a and 400 b includes control devices likethe ones described above with respect to FIG. 10, the control devicesprovided by one of the lounges may control one or both of the displayscreens 200 a and 200 b within the space 532. Thus, for instance, wherea user links a portable device to a controller 410, output of the linkeddevice may be presented on one or both of the displays 200 a and 200 bat the preference of the user. In other cases portable devices withinspace 532 may be wirelessly linked to server 102 for controlling outputon the displays 200 a and 200 b.

Referring to FIG. 34, in another embodiment each of the displays screens200 a and 200 b within a space 960 may have large dimensions selected sothat the display screens cover substantially the entire surface of awall section behind each of the lounges 400 a and 400 b above the loungebackrest portions. Here, a space user may use all or a portion of one ofthe display screens 200 a or 200 b or all or different portions of eachof the display screens to present content within the space 960. Inaddition, a processor driving each of the display screens may beprogrammed to, in at least some cases, divide the space of each screeninto two or more subspaces that can be controlled independently by oneor different persons within the space 960 to present content. Forinstance, in FIG. 34 display 200 a is shown divided into two spaces 962and 964 while display 200 b is shown divided into two spaces 966 and968, where each of the spaces may be controlled to present differentcontent via a wireless personal portable device (e.g., see 970 and 972in FIG. 34) or via connection to one of the controllers 410 providedwithin one of the lounge assemblies 400 a or 400 b as described above.

Where one person is using space 960, in most cases it will beadvantageous for that person to present content on displays that areopposite that person within space 960 and that face that person. Forinstance, in FIG. 34, a user seated on lounge 400 a would likely preferpresenting content on display 200 b while a user on lounge 200 b wouldlikely prefer presenting content on display 200 a. In addition, a useron a right side of lounge 400 a facing screen 200 b would likely wantcontent presented on display 200 b centered on the portion of display200 b directly in front of that user (e.g., the left portion 968 of thedisplay 200 b that is aligned with the user on the right portion oflounge 400 a while a user on the left side or portion of lounge 400 awould likely want content presented on the right portion 966 of display200 b that is aligned with that portion. Where different sections of thedisplay 200 b (and 200 a for that matter) are selectable for presentingcontent via a controller 410 or virtual on screen tools presented to auser via a portable device, the user could select the most suitableportion of a display in space 960 for presenting content based on theuser's location.

In at least some cases the system server 102 may be programmed to usesensed information from within space 960 to determine user locations andmay be programmed to automatically identify optimal emissive surfacespaces for use by persons within the space 960 given intended use of thespace. For instance, where a single person enters space 960 and closesthe door 105, the system may recognize that a single person is in thespace 960. Images from one of cameras 116 may be used to sense a person,the location of the person, the juxtaposition of the person within space960, etc. When the person sits down on the right side of lounge 400 afacing screen 200 b and has a personal portable computing device (e.g.,a tablet), the system may automatically start a process to link theportable device wirelessly to the server 102 to control content on theportion 968 of display 200 b aligned with and spaced from the user. Oncethe portable device is wirelessly linked to the server 102, the server102 may identify the location of the person on, for instance, the rightside portion of lounge 400 a and may present content in space 966. Tothis end, see also FIG. 35 where display 200 b is shown and is dividedvirtually into two spaces 966 and 968. Here, the first person's contentwould be presented in space 968 apart from the first person.

Continuing, if a second person enters space 960 and sits across from thefirst person on the left section of lounge 400 b (see the person 980 inFIG. 35), the server may recognize the second person's location andshift the first person's content on display 200 b to section 966, to theside to the second person. In addition, in at least some cases, thesystem may automatically present the first person's content on the leftportion 962 of display 200 a (see again FIG. 34) to the side of thefirst person for the second person to view.

In some cases first and second person's can present content via thedisplays 200 a and 200 b at the same time. For instance, in FIG. 34, thefirst person may present content via display sections 962 and 968 sothat the first person and a second person on lounge 400 b can view thecontent at the same time without turning away from each other while thesecond person on lounge 400 b presents in spaces 964 and 966 for bothpersons to view. Here, each person may use one of the controllers 410described above or may use a virtual wireless controller (see again FIG.10 above).

Referring to FIG. 36, in some cases when one person uses a space 960 toview content, the system may automatically recognize the single personuse of space 960 and optimize content display size and display locationfor the specific user. For instance, in some cases the optimum size maybe the largest size possible given formatting (e.g., dimensions) ofcontent to be displayed. In FIG. 36, a single person's virtual contentspace is labeled 982 and is as large as possible given dimensions of thecontent to be presented therein. The single person content window may beautomatically placed in front of the single user based on currentlocation within the space. Referring to FIGS. 34 and 36, space 282 isautomatically located at a location that would be in front of a userseated on the right half of lounge 400 a. If the user moves from lounge400 a to lounge 400 b, the content window may be moved from display 400b to an aligned location on display 400 a automatically, based on imagesfrom cameras 116 or information generated by other sensors associatedwith space 960.

When a single user requires two adjacent content spaces or each of twopersons in space 960 requires a separate content window on one of thespace walls, the sizes of the spaces used by each of the persons mayagain be automatically optimized. For instance, see FIG. 37 where spacesthe size of each virtual space 986 and 988 is relatively smaller thanthe size of space 982 in FIG. 36 to optimize for presenting two contentspaces automatically. In FIG. 37, the height dimension of each space 986and 988 is less than the maximum height allowed by display screen 200 bto maintain the relative dimensions of the content being presented.

Referring again to FIG. 20, a speaker 202 is mounted in the ceilingstructure 540. Two cameras 116 are mounted to the ceiling for obtainingimages of fields of view within space 532. Images from the cameras 116are provided to server 102 for processing. Door sensors 112 and 113 areprovided for each of the doors 105 and 531. A space control device(e.g., a Room Wizard) 104 is mounted to an external surface of wallsubassembly 534.

Referring yet again to FIG. 20, in the case of a space 530 optimized fordyadic activities, prior to a user entering the space, the space maypulse green light within the two sided light panel wall subassemblies536 and 542. In addition, the display devices 200 a and 200 b may alsopulse green to present an invite environment. When a user 501 walks intothe space 532, analysis of images from cameras 116 may cause server 102to recognize that a user is present within the space. User recognitionwithin the space 532 may operate as an interest trigger and server 102may then fade or otherwise present a welcome phase environment (e.g.,warm yellow/orange light, a welcoming sound track, control of displays200 a, 200 b to provide simple instructions, etc.).

Referring to FIG. 20, change in the user's posture such as the user 501sitting down on one of the lounges 400 a may be discernible withincamera images and may operate as an activity trigger causing server 102to recognize a claiming of the space 532. Upon sensing that a user hasassumed a seated position, server 102 may present an activity phaseenvironment for a single person where for instance, a personal portabledevice 600 used by the user and present in the space 530 isautomatically linked to the space 530 for controlling one or both of thedisplay screens within the space. For example, where the user is facingscreen 200 b as in FIG. 21, the server 102 may only associate the user'sdevice 600 with display 200 b. If the user were facing display 200 ainstead, the server 102 may only associate the user's device 600 withdisplay 200 a.

If a second user enters space 530 to confer with the first user, imagesfrom cameras 116 may be used to recognize the second person and topresent a different space experience or to transition to a differentphase in an experience being presented. For instance, where a first userhas been using the space 530 to view a document on screen 200 b, whenthe second person enters the space 530, the system may automatically“hide” the document on display 200 b and change the lighting in thespace so that the lighting is optimized for a two person discussion.Where the second user assumes a seated position facing the first user,the system may control the lighting again to optimize for viewingdisplay screens by dimming light in the walls 536 and 542 and increasingthe intensity of light generated by the upwardly directed light fixturesmounted to the tops of bins 274 a and 274 b. Other changes may includecoordinated light color changes and light effects (e.g., pulsing), soundtrack changes, temperature, air circulation, etc.

Other space affordance packages optimized for specific activities arecontemplated. For instance, see FIG. 22 that shows another spaceconfiguration 640 including wall subassemblies (only three of fourshown) 644, 646 and 648 and a ceiling assembly 650 that define a space642. Wall subassembly 644 includes a plurality of single sided lightpanels while each of walls 646 and 648 includes opaque panels generallywith indirect light panels 652 like the one described above in FIG. 6.Ceiling lighting 178 and a speaker 202 are mounted in the ceilingsubstructure 650. In addition, a wireless access point 112 is mounted inceiling 650 for sensing personal devices (e.g., smart phones, a laptop,a tablet device, etc.). A video conferencing assembly 651 is positionedin front of a bench 653 where the bench 653 buts up against wall 644 sothat the indirect light from panels 652 is directed at a user resting onbench 653 in an optimal fashion for video conferencing.

In FIG. 22, prior to a person entering space 642, server 102 may presentthe invite phase experience (e.g., green pulsing light). When a userenters space 642 with a personal portable computing device, signalsreceived by access point 112 (and perhaps other access points within thegeneral area of space 642) are processed to identify the location of thedevice within the space 642. Upon identifying a user's device in space642, server 102 controls the space 642 affordances to fade to thewelcome phase environment. Again, in at least some cases, this willinclude changing light color to a warm yellow/orange and presenting asound track via speaker 202. In addition, server 102 may present acontrol interface to the user via the user's portable device asking theuser if the user intends to claim the space 642 for video conferencinguse. Here, the activity trigger may be selection of a video conferencingoption on the portable device that is transmitted to the server 102 viaaccess point 112. Upon receiving the trigger, server 102 may controlassembly 651 to initiate a video conference and may adjust other spaceaffordances including lighting 652 and the light generated by wallsubassembly 644 to optimize for video conferencing.

FIG. 23 shows a space configuration 680 that may be optimized for shortindividual activities like, for instance, fielding a phone call,generating an e-mail, reviewing a document, etc. To this end,configuration 680 includes wall subassemblies 684 and 686 (and a thirdwall now shown) that generally include opaque panels, albeit whereassembly 686 includes a single sided light panel assembly 226 adjacent adesk or shelf assembly 692 that forms a horizontal work surface. Ahanging light 192 extends downward from a ceiling substructure and aspeaker 202 and an access point 112 are mounted to the ceiling structureas well. A door (either hinged or sliding) 688 is mounted to the wallsubstructures and is moveable between open and closed positions enablingaccess to the space 682 defined by the wall substructures. A stool 22 isprovided within space 682 adjacent shelf assembly 692. Here again aninvite phase environment is presented followed by a welcome phaseenvironment, an activity environment and then an emerge environmentduring a space experience, with each transition between consecutiveenvironments being initiated when one or more trigger activities occurs.In this case the activity phase environment may include illuminatingpanel light 226 with bright white light to illuminate the top surface ofassembly 692 as well as playing a suitable sound track (e.g., whitenoise, etc.). Many other optimized spaces are contemplated.

In at least some embodiments, as explained above, the characteristics ofany space experience of a specific type may all be substantially similarsuch that, for instance, any rest space experience presents the samephase characteristics to the extent possible given space affordances inspecific spaces. To this end, referring again to FIG. 1 and now also toFIG. 24, database 130 may include space experience specifications 700through 112 for each of N different space experiences including a restspace experience specification 700, a phone call space experience 702, avideo conference space experience specification 704, an individual focusspace experience specification 706, a dyadic space experiencespecification 708, a respite space experience specification 710, etc.Each specification indicates triggers as well as phase characteristicsto be presented upon occurrence of each trigger.

For instance, see FIGS. 25 and 26 that show an exemplary rest spaceexperience specification 700 including a phase column 720, a triggercolumn 722, an environmental factor column 724 and a preference column726. The phase column 720 lists each of the four rest space experiencephases including the welcome, activity, emerge and invite phased. Foreach phase in column 720, the trigger column 722 lists a set of possibletriggers for initiating the phase in column 720 where currently settriggers are shown with phantom boxes there around. For instance, forthe welcome phase in column 720, column 722 includes a set of possibletriggers at 730 and the currently set or default trigger is the “doorclosing” trigger highlighted by a phantom box at 735. In FIG. 26 it canbe seen that for the emerge phase, the trigger column includes threepossible independent triggers including “end of duration”, “dooropening” and “space empty” triggers, any of which can trigger the emergephase.

Referring still to FIGS. 25 and 26, in column 724, a set of possiblecontrollable environmental factors are presented for each of the phasesin column 720. Thus, for instance, the factor set 732 in column 724 areassociated with the welcome phase in column 720 and includes all of theenvironmental factors that can or are controlled by the system server102 to present the specific phase. In some cases the set of controlledfactors may only be a subset of the full set 732 present in thedatabase. Where a specific space is controlled to present a specificphase and the space does not include all of the affordances required tocontrol all of the factors associated with the phase, the server willonly control the subset of factors that can be controlled given thespecific affordances within the space.

Referring yet again to FIGS. 25 and 26, preferences column 726 includesa set of effects that may be presented for each of the environmentalfactors in column 726. For instance, the set of effects 734 is specifiedfor a lighting color factor in column 724, the set of effect 736 ispresented for a lighting effect factor in column 724, set 739 isprovided for the sound effect factor in column 724, set 738 is providedfor a lighting brightness factor in column 724, set 737 is provided fora sound factor in column 724, set 743 is provided for an air circulationfactor in column 724, set 744 is provided for a privacy factor in column724, set 745 is provided for a display factor in column 724. Volume andtemperature fields 739 and 740 are also indicated in preference column736 for the welcome phase in column 720.

Again, default preferences are indicated by phantom boxes about specificpreferences in column 736. Thus, for instance, the lighting colorpreference for the welcome phase is “fade to warm orange/yellow”, thelighting effect is “no pulse”, the sound effect is “fade to city walk”,etc.

Some phases may have different subsets of triggers, environmentalfactors and preferences than others. For instance, see in FIG. 25 thatthere is a “duration” factor 750 associated with the activity phasewhile there is no duration factor associated with the welcome phase.FIGS. 25 and 26 represent default settings for the rest spaceexperience. Referring again to FIG. 24, specifications similar to theFIG. 25 and FIG. 26 specification would be provided for each of theother space experiences 702 through 712.

In addition to including the experience specifications, database 130also includes a sub-database 718 that associates different spaces withdifferent default space experiences. Here the default experiences willusually be the experiences for which specific spaces have beenoptimized. Sub-database 718 includes a space column 716 and a defaultspecification column 714. Column 716 lists each space that is associatedwith the FIG. 1 system and, for instance, may include a listing of alarge number of differently afforded spaces 00001 through NNNNN. Column714 includes a default specification (e.g., one of the specifications700 through 712 in FIG. 24) for each of the spaces in column 716. Forinstance, each of spaces 00001, 00002 and 00003 are associated with thedefault rest specification 700, each of spaces 00004 and 00005 areassociated with the default video conference specification 704, and soon.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in at least some embodiments it iscontemplated that a system administrator may be able to use anadministrator's computer 140 to change characteristics of each type ofspace experience. For instance, triggers for each phase of eachexperience as well as the characteristics of each phase experience maybe customized given space affordances as well as the effects that anadministrator intends to present. In at least some cases anadministrator may also be able to change the space experiences that aspecific space presents including, for instance, the default spaceexperience associated with each space. To alter space experiences (e.g.,triggers, characteristics, defaults, etc.), the administrator may accessan interface that presents the database information as shown in FIGS. 25and 26 for a specific space and may then be able to select a defaultspace experience and then set triggers and preferences as desired.

It has been recognized that, in at least some cases, a space user willwant the ability to customize space experiences during different spacesessions. For instance, while a rest space experience may, by default,present blue illumination that pulses with a sound track during the restactivity phase of the experience, a specific user may instead prefer adark orange non-pulsing illumination during the activity phase. Asanother instance, the same user may prefer a different sound tract and ahigher volume than the default track and volume during the emerge phaseof the rest experience.

To accommodate customization of space experiences by specific users, inat least some embodiments a space user may use a computer (e.g., 140 inFIG. 1) to set personal parameters for each type of space experience orfor a subset of the space experiences presentable by the system. Here,as in the case of a system administrator, the interface would presentinformation akin to the FIGS. 25 and 26 database and allow the user toselect different preferences and triggers.

In addition or instead of providing users the capability of settingparameters via a computer 140 that is separate from a space, anenvironment interface may be presented via a space or room controller(e.g., a Room Wizard) that is extremely intuitive and which can be usedat the location of a space to set various space experiencecharacteristics during any space session. To this end see the exemplaryspace controller interface screen shots in FIGS. 27 through 32. In atleast some cases when a user determines that a particular spaceexperience was particularly effective, the user may store the experiencefor subsequent use when the user wants another similar experience.

Referring specifically to FIG. 27, the screen shot 770 presented viadevice 104 (see also 104 in FIGS. 1 and 2) will include, in at leastsome embodiments, a persistent ribbon of tool icons along a lower edgewhich is always presented when the environment control functionality ofthe control device 104 is accessed so that any user will be familiarwith how to access and use the tools. In FIGS. 27 through 29 anabbreviated set of three tool icons is presented that includes a lightcontrol icon 774, a sound control icon 776 and a temperature controlicon 778. An exit icon 780 is also provided in the lower right handcorner of the screen shot that can be selected to return to the RoomWizard scheduling screen or some other general control interface in thecase of some other control system.

When light control icon 774 is selected, the screen shot 770 in FIG. 27is presented which includes fourteen different light color option icons(three labeled 772) and a light off icon 782. Each color option icon canbe selected to change the color of light generated by the light deviceswithin an associated space. Off icon 782 can be selected to turn off thelight in the space. In addition, in at least some embodiments screenshot 770 will include a light intensity icon 771 and icons 773, 775 and777 that can be used to select light pulsing characteristics for spacelighting devices. Icon 771 is a slide button type icon where a user canselect different points along the length of the icon to change lightintensity along a range between a low level and a maximum level. Thepulsing characteristic icons include a stead state or non-pulsing icon773, a smooth pulsing icon 775 and an icon 777 that ties light pulsingto sound of a current sound track being played within an associatedspace. Non-pulsing icon 773 is selectable to have a steady lightintensity set by icon 771. Smooth pulsing icon 775 sets the pulsingeffect to follow a sinusoidal pattern where light intensity is faded onand off in a continuous pattern. Icon 777 is selectable to set thepulsing to follow the pattern of sound generated by a currently playingsound track. As the light control icons are selected, the lightgenerated in the associated space may be controlled to present theselected light effect so that the user can see the effect selected andhunt for an optimized setting.

Referring to FIG. 28, when sound icon 776 is selected, a screen shot 790presents sound control icons including sound track icons (four labeled792), volume control icons 794 and 796 and a mute control icon 798. Eachof the sound track icons 792 includes a text label that indicates thetype of sound track generated. For instance, exemplary labels include a“city walk” icon, a “riverbank” icon, a “north woods” icon, etc., thatare associated with different sound tracks. Icons 794 and 796 can beused to increase or decrease the volume of a selected sound track andicon 798 can be used to turn a selected sound track on and off.

Referring to FIG. 29. When temperature icon 778 is selected, a screenshot 800 for controlling space temperature is presented that includes“warmer”, “normal” and “cooler” icons 802, 804 and 806, respectively.The temperature within an associated space can be controlled using theicons 802, 804 and 806. Here, the normal icon 804 may correspond to apreset or default temperature such as, for instance, 74 degrees and canbe selected to revert back to the default setting.

In other embodiments additional space control icons may be presentedwithin the ribbon of control icons along the bottom edge of the spacecontrol interface. For instance, see in FIG. 30 that additional controlicons 820, 822 and 824 are included in the lower tool bar or toolribbon. Icon 820 is an air circulation icon which can be selected topresent the circulation control screen shot 825 that includes “off”,“normal” and “high” icons 826, 828 and 830, respectively. Icons 826, 828and 830 can be selected to turn off air circulation, revert back to adefault circulation setting and increase air circulation, respectively,within an associated space.

Icon 822 is a notice control icon which can be selected to controlelectronic notifications such as e-mails, texts, social updates, etc.,to a space user during a space experience or during a phase of one ofthe experiences. For instance, during the activity phase of a rest spaceexperience, a space user likely would not want any electronicnotifications/disturbances but the user may want all electronicnotifications or updates received during a rest activity to be presentedimmediately at the end of the rest activity and during the emerge phaseof an experience. Icon 822 can be used to control notifications. Whenicon 822 is selected, screen shot 839 may be presented including noticecontrol icons 840, 842 and 844. Icon 840 can be selected to turn off allelectronic notifications to the user in the space. Icon 842 can be usedto turn on notifications to the user. Icon 844 can be selected toselectively activate notifications. For instance, a space user mayalways want to receive notifications from the user's boss regardless ofany activity the user is participating in. A set of message senders thatare particularly important may be associated with icon 844 in the systemdatabase 130 for each system user so that notifications from any ofthose users are receivable within an associated space whilenotifications from others are blocked.

When a notice icon is selected from screen shot 839, an indication ofthe selection is sent to system server 102 which uses the selection tocontrol notice to the user in the space accordingly. Here, server 102may send wireless signals to user devices within an associated spacecausing those devices to enter a no notice mode so that those devices donot provide notice during an experience or during one or more phases ofan experience. At the end of a no notice phase, all notices receivedduring the no notice phase may be provided as if they were received atthat time.

Referring to FIG. 32, an activity icon 824 can be selected to select asession experience other than a default experience associated with aspecific space. To this end, when icon 824 is selected, a screen shot843 may be presented that lists different space experiences asselectable icons 830 including, for instance, a “rest” icon, an“individual focus” icon, a “dyadic+” icon, etc. Here, for instance, if aspace is optimized for individual focus but a user wants to use thespace to facilitate a rest space experience, the user may select the“rest” icon to cause server 102 to control the space experience during asession to present the rest experience instead of the individual focusexperience. In this case, while the space may be optimized forindividual focus, the affordances may nevertheless be controlled tofacilitate a rest experience and server 102 simply controls theaffordances within the space accordingly.

In at least some embodiments a space may not include a dedicated spacecontrol device like 104. In these cases it is contemplated that thefunctionality of the space control device 104 described above may beprovided via portable user devices like smart phones, tablet computingdevices, laptops, etc. Here, for instance, when a user is proximate orwithin a specific space, the system may enable the user to access aspace control program that presents screen shots akin to the screenshots described above with respect to FIGS. 27 through 32 forcustomizing space experiences.

In at least some embodiments when space characteristics are set viainterface screen shot 770, the space characteristics may remain as setduring an entire space session. For instance, where lightcharacteristics are set by a user during a welcome phase of a restexperience, the light characteristics may remain set until the end ofthe rest experience without cycling through different activity andemerge phases. In other embodiments it is contemplated that users willalways want an emerge phase to indicate that a session period is nearingan end and to help transition the users out of the space. In thesecases, user set light and other characteristics may persist from thetime set through the activity phase of a space experience and the emergephase may always occur per the default settings. In still other casesuser light and other characteristic settings may be set only for aspecific phase of a space experience and the settings may revert todefault settings at the end of a current phase.

It has also been recognized that a space user may perceive that aspecific set of space characteristics are optimal for the specific user.For instance, a user may perceive that a specific set of spacecharacteristics set during a rest activity phase of an experience wereparticularly effective. In this case, instead of requiring the user toremember the settings and reselect the settings the next time the userparticipates in a rest space experience, the system enables each user tostore their preferred and customized settings for any of the spaceexperiences. For instance, a user may customize settings for a restspace experience and each time the user participates in a rest spaceexperience thereafter in any space, the user's preferred phase settingsmay be replicated automatically. Thus, the next time a user claims oruses a space for a rest experience, the customized experience would bepresented without requiring the user to set or select any settings. Inthis case, for example, a user may use a first space in a first facilityfor a rest experience on Monday and may use a second space in a secondcompletely different facility for a rest experience on Friday and thesame rest experience customized for the specific user may be presentedin each space automatically.

To enable a user to save a customized particular type of spaceexperience, referring again to FIG. 27, a control interface may presenta “save” icon 799 that can be selected to save the settings associatedwith a current space experience for the specific user. Here, after allcharacteristics for an experience have been set via the interface screenshots (e.g., FIGS. 27 through 32), the settings are stored for the userin the system database 130 (see again FIG. 1). See also FIG. 33 thatshows an exemplary database 130′ that, in addition to including thedefault space experience settings, also includes user specific settings910, 912, etc., for at least a subset of users 904, 906, etc., that havecustomized settings for one or all of the possible space experiences. Inthis case each of the specifications in a space experience column 902would be similar to the specifications described above with respect toFIGS. 25 and 26, albeit having different and customized selectedsettings where the settings have been changed from the default settingsand saved. Here, many of the user specific settings in thespecifications may be similar to the default settings as a user willoften times like the default settings for some experiences or phases ofexperiences while only wanting to customize other settings.

In at least some embodiments it is contemplated that an invite phase mayinclude different sub-phases to indicate status of a space prior to auser actually assuming control of or claiming the space for a session.For instance, where a first space is scheduled for use at 10 AM, server102 may be programmed to control lighting in the space to present astandard invite phase (e.g., pulsing green light) within the space untilfifteen minutes prior to the scheduled time (e.g., until 9:45 AM) andthen the pulsing light may change to steady state green light for the 15minute period preceding the scheduled use to indicate to perspectiveuser's in the area that the space is only available for a relativelyshort period. Then, at 10 AM, if no user has assumed control of thespace, server 102 may be programmed to start the welcome phase of thescheduled experience by changing the color of light associated with thespace to warm orange/yellow, fade in a programmed sound track and adjustother parameters per the experience specification. If no one arrives inand assumes control of the space within a period (e.g., 10 minutes) ofthe start of the scheduled session, server 102 may perform someautomated process designed to free up the space for others to use. Inthis regard, for instance, at 10:10 AM server 102 may change the spacelight again to a steady green and may discontinue the sound track. Thischange of conditions should prompt a user that intends to take controlof the space to do so. This intermediate set of conditions may bepresented for another short period (e.g., 5 minutes) after which server102 may revert back to the invite phase so that other users in the areaof the space can see that the space is available for use.

In at least some cases where one or more specific users are scheduled touse a specific space during a specific period, if other users are sensedwithin the space and the specific users are not sensed within the space,server 102 may be programmed to change conditions within the space toindicate that someone else has reserved the space during the period. Forinstance, where each space user includes a personal RFID badge, smartphone, tablet, or the like from which user identity can be determined,if users other than scheduled users are in a space, the server 102 maycause lighting in the space to turn bright red to indicate that thespace is reserved for use by some other user.

While the system described above is described as one wherein invitephases for spaces used for different space experiences are similar(e.g., pulsing green light to invite use), in at least some embodimentsthe invite phase characteristics of spaces earmarked or optimized fordifferent space experiences may be different so that users searching forspecific experiences can fine optimized space for those experiences. Forinstance, all spaces optimized for facilitating a rest experience maypulse green to invite use while all spaces optimized for individualfocused experiences may pulse red and still other spaces optimized fordyadic activities may pulse orange.

In at least some cases it is contemplated that a user that intends touse a space may indicate a specific space experience that the user wouldlike and server 102 may control invite phases to, in effect, highlightspaces that are optimized or that are available for the specificexperience. For instance, where there are thirty different spaces in anarea and five of those spaces are optimized for rest space experiences,a user may use an application on the user's tablet or smart phone deviceto indicate that the user want a rest space experience. Upon receivingthe request for a rest experience and identifying the location of theuser in the general area, server 102 may be programmed to control spaceaffordances only in available spaces optimized for rest experiences topresent invite environments. In this case the user can simply walk aboutthe space and identify one of the spaces presenting the inviteenvironment and can assume control or use thereof in the way that issupported by the specific system (e.g., RFID reading, entering the spaceand closing the door, a verbal command within the space to take control,etc.).

In cases where a space user selects a space experience for a specificspace where a different available space is better suited for theexperience, server 102 may present an indication that the other space isbetter suited for the experience. For instance, referring again to FIG.32, where a user uses an interface to select the “individual focus” iconfor a first space that is optimized for dyadic activities and a secondspace in the near vicinity that is optimized for individual focus isavailable, server 102 may present a message via device 104 asking theuser to consider the other space. The message may simply be a notice ormay include a scheduling tool so that the user can select the otherspace for a session to reserve the space as the user moves to thelocation of the other space. Here, if the user schedules the secondspace, the color of light in the second space may be controlled toindicate that eh space has been claimed and will be used during a comingsession.

In some cases space experiences may be programmed to mirror the naturallight patterns people experience in nature. For instance, at thebeginning of a rest period, light may fade from warm orange/yellow todark blue to mimic the changing from day light to evening light. Here,at the beginning of an emerge phase, light may fade from dark blue towarm orange/yellow to mimic a sun rise. The fading from blue to the warmcolor may start with one light device and spread throughout a space tofurther mimic a rising sun. For instance, in a case where all walls thatdefine a space are light emissive, centrally located LEDs along a loweredge of a first wall 466 may be controlled to fade from blue toorange/yellow initially followed by the laterally located LEDs along thelower edge of the first wall 466, followed by LEDs along the lower edgeof the other two walls (e.g., 464) adjacent first wall 466 and that arenear the side edges of the other two walls adjacent wall 466 and thenfollowed by the LEDs in wall 462.

As another instance, where a space include light emissive walls as wellas a central globe type light device 193 as in FIG. 2 where each lightdevice is capable of generating virtually any color light, the globelight device 193 may, at the end of a rest phase, fade slowly from darkblue to a warm orange/yellow. Here, as the globe light device colorfades to warm, light generated by the light emissive walls may fadesimilarly and uniformly from dark blue to the warm orange/yellow tosimulate a sun coming up. In other cases the fading to warmorange/yellow may be non-uniform with the portions of adjacent wallsfading more quickly to the warm orange/yellow color than do otherportions of the walls. For example, in FIG. 2, because globe 193 isproximate wall 222, wall 222 or portions thereof may fade to warmorange/yellow more rapidly than portions of wall 224. In a similarfashion, where multiple speakers are present proximate space 220, soundmay fade in and out non-uniformly to give the effect of spreading soundwithin the space.

In still other cases where a space includes a display screen 200 (seeagain FIG. 2), a video of a sun rising or setting may be presentedduring a phase change and the lighting in the space may be controlled tosimulate how light fills a space during such an activity.

During any of the experience phases, server 102 may be programmed todetect other intermediate triggers and to present other non-persistentcharacteristic sets. For instance, during the activity phase of a restspace experience, if a user stands up in an associated space (e.g., toget something out of a book bag), images from a camera in the space maybe examined to determine that the user is standing and server 102 maycontrol the space affordances in a way designed to help the user. Forexample, when the user stands, server 102 may change lighting of atleast a subset of light devices within the space to help the user seewithin the relatively dark space. As another example, during individualfocus activity where light is bright on a work surface but dimmedthroughout the rest of a space, server 102 may increase the intensity ofambient light generally in the space if the user stands up, if a secondperson enters the space or if a door to the space is opened. In eitherof the above cases, if the intermediate condition ceases (e.g., the usersits down, the second person leaves the space, etc.), server 102 controlmay revert back to the phase characteristics specified for a specificspace and/or a specific user.

While at least some embodiments of the present disclosure contemplateessentially completely automatic systems where space experiences arepresented with little or no specific controlling activities by a user,in other cases more specific controlling actions may also operate astriggers for experiences, phase changes, etc. To this end, referringagain to FIG. 2, in at least some cases a system server 102 may beprogrammed to examine images from camera 116 to identify controllinggestures for starting an experience, changing experience phases, etc.For instance, cameras 116 may each include a Kinect type camera andprocessor from Microsoft Corporation that can distinguish gestures andgenerate control commands associated therewith. In this case, when auser enters a space, the user may signal a desire to control and use thespace during a session by performing some gesture (e.g., form a circlein the air) within the field of view of at least one of the cameras 116.As another instance, microphone 139 may be useable to obtain verbalcommands from a space user (e.g., “start rest experience”) that can beused to start an experience or change experience phases.

While the systems described above include speakers, microphones and, insome cases, space control devices 104, in at least some otherembodiments a smart phone, tablet type computing device, etc., may beused to provide those components. For instance, once a space user'spersonal device (see 600 in FIG. 21) is associated with a space 530, anyaudio to be presented to the space user as part of a space experiencemay be provided via a speaker in the user's device 600. Similarly, themicrophone in the device 600 may be used to obtain verbal commands froma space user and to provide the verbal commands via a wireless accesspoint to the system server 102 (see again FIG. 1). For instance, if aspace user wants to start a rest space experience upon entering a space,after associating the user's device 600 with the space, the user mayverbally request a rest session via device 600 which in turn sends theverbal request to the system server. Thus, in at least some embodimentsa personal device 600 may operate as a space microphone, a spacespeaker, a space control device akin to control device 104 forscheduling space use, setting affordance settings and selecting spaceexperiences, a user identifying device enabling the system server toestablish the identify of a system user in a space and allocation beaconuseable with access points or the like to generate data useable totriangulate the location of a user device within an area and morespecifically proximate one of the spaces within an area.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in some embodiments it is contemplated thatmost if not all of the functions described above with respect to server102 may be performed by a portable personal device 110 (e.g., a tablettype device) running an application to generate control signalstransmitted to control system 150 for controlling space affordances perdefault or customized space experience specifications. Thus, forinstance, when a user enters a space and the user's device is spatiallyassociated (either automatically or via some process performed by theuser) with a specific space, user's device may identify the space thatit is associated in, identify affordance associated with the space,ascertain the space experience to be presented by the space or anexperience requested by the user and then transmit control signals tocontrol system 150 for controlling the space. Any triggers sensed bysensors (e.g., 112, 114, 116, etc.) within the space may cause triggersignals to be sent to the user's portable device which the device thenuses to control the space affordances accordingly. Here, an interfacelike the interfaces shown in FIGS. 27 through 32 may be presented to theuser via the user's device for controlling the affordances differentlythan defined in the specifications and changes to affordance control maybe stored in updated specifications for subsequent use.

In at least some cases panel light devices may be replaced by displayscreens that can generate virtually any light color.

In some cases a welcome phase may include playing an audible welcomemessage to a user in a space or presenting a welcome message via adisplay screen if one exists within the space. The welcome message mayalso invite the user to take some other action to transition to theexperience to be facilitated within the space. For instance, in somecases the system may require a user to place an RFID card or otherdevice within the reading range of an RFID reader device (see 108 inFIG. 2). Here, the welcome message may instruct the user to swipe an IDtag in front of the reader 108 to claim the space for a period.

It should be appreciated from the above description that environmentalfactors or conditions may be controlled as a function of various factorsand inputs, some being simple actions or activities that are notdedicated to initiating control but that are used as proxies to startsome control action and others that are specifically dedicated toinitiating control. For instance, presence of a personal portable devicewithin a space may operate as a control trigger in some cases while inother cases some dedicated action may be required to initiate a controlactivity.

While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way ofexample in the drawings and have been described in detail herein.However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended tobe limited to the particular forms disclosed. Thus, the invention is tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the followingappended claims. To apprise the public of the scope of this invention,the following claims are made:

1. An environment control system for controlling space experienceswithin a defined space within a facility, the system comprising: alighting device located within the space, the lighting devicecontrollable to generate a plurality of visually distinguishablelighting effects within the space; a sensor for sensing user activitieswithin the first space; a controller linked to the sensor and to thefirst lighting device, the controller programmed to perform the stepsof: sensing occupancy of the space; sensing a user parameter associatedwith a posture of the user that occupies the space; and controlling thelighting device to generate at least one of the plurality of lightingeffects when the space is unoccupied, to generate another of theplurality of lighting effects when the user parameter associated withthe posture of the user indicates that the user is sitting.
 2. Theenvironment control system of claim 1 wherein the step of sensing theuser parameter includes determining whether the user is standing, andwherein the lighting device is controlled to generate a third lightingeffect while the user that occupies the first space is standing.
 3. Theenvironment control system of claim 2 wherein the controller is furtherprogrammed to control the lighting device to generate the third lightingeffect for a predefined period of time after which the controllercontrols the lighting device to generate a fourth lighting effect. 4.The environment control system of claim 1 wherein the controllercontrols the lighting device to generate a third lighting effect uponthe closing of a door to the first space.
 5. The environment controlsystem of claim 1 wherein the controller is further programmed to sensean additional user parameter associated with a user that occupies thespace and to control the lighting device to generate a third lightingeffect while the first space is occupied and the additional userparameter has a specific value.
 6. The environment control system ofclaim 1 wherein the lighting device generates light that is visibleoutside the space to indicate a space use condition.
 7. Theenvironmental control system of claim 1 further including an audiodevice linked to the controller, the controller further controlling theaudio device to generate a plurality of sound tracks corresponding tothe plurality of lighting effects, respectively.
 8. The environmentalcontrol system of claim 7 further including an interface device locatedproximate the space, the interface device including preference selectiontools for selecting different environmental experiences for the space,the controller receiving user input via the interface and generatingdifferent sequences of lighting and audio effects based on userselections via the interface.
 9. The environmental control system ofclaim 1 further including a user identification sensor device locatedproximate the space, the controller also linked to the identificationssensor device, the controller further programmed to identify a user uponentering the space and selecting a lighting effect generated as afunction of user identity.
 10. The environmental control system of claim1 wherein at least one of the plurality of lighting effects includesgeneration of light having an effect distinct color.
 11. Theenvironmental control system of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality oflighting effects includes generation of light having an effect distinctcolor.
 12. The environmental control system of claim 1 wherein at leastone of the plurality of lighting effects includes blinking the firstlighting device on and off.
 13. The environmental control system ofclaim 1 wherein the lighting device is integrated into a wall structurethat defines at least a portion of the space.
 14. The environmentalcontrol system of claim 1 wherein the sensor includes a camera mountedproximate the space and having a field of view that covers at least aportion of the space.
 15. The environmental control system of claim 1wherein different sensor devices are provided for sensing user presenceand the user parameter.
 16. The environmental control system of claim 1wherein the first space includes a hotelling space used by multipleusers during a workday.
 17. The environmental control system of claim 1wherein the sensor is a camera and wherein the camera senses each ofoccupancy and the user parameter within the space.
 18. An environmentcontrol system for controlling space experiences within a defined spacewithin a facility, the system comprising: a plurality of environmentcontrol devices located at least one of within and proximate the definedspace, each of the plurality of environment control devices controllableto generate a plurality of distinguishable environmental effects withinthe first space; a sensor for sensing user activities within the definedspace; a controller linked to the sensor and to the plurality ofenvironment control devices, the controller programmed to perform thesteps of: sensing occupancy of the defined space; sensing at least auser parameter associated with a user that occupies the defined space;tracking time; and controlling at least a subset of the environmentcontrol devices to generate a first environmental effect when thedefined space is unoccupied, to generate a second environmental effectwhen the defined space is occupied and to generate a third environmenteffect while the first space is occupied and the user is at least one ofsitting and standing, and, wherein, the controller further controlslighting effects as a function of time.
 19. An environment controlsystem for controlling space experiences within a defined space within afacility, the system comprising: a plurality of environment controldevices located at least one of within and proximate the defined space,each of the plurality of environment control devices controllable togenerate a plurality of distinguishable environmental effects within thedefined space; a sensor for sensing user activities within the definedspace; an interface device located proximate the defined space, theinterface device including a display screen; a controller linked to thesensor, the interface device and to the plurality of environment controldevices, the controller programmed to perform the steps of: presentingselectable icons as space experiences via the display screen, each spaceexperience labelled as an activity to be performed within the firstspace; sensing occupancy of the first space; receiving user input viaselection of one of the selectable icons via the interface; andcontrolling at least one of the environment control devices to generatea space experience that is optimized for the selected activity to beperformed within the defined space.
 20. The environment control systemof claim 19, wherein the display is a touch sensitive display.